Such a pity Phil couldn't bring himself to say 'your boyfriend', never mind Paul's name. He could've at least said his name considering what he was about to tell Ben But I'm not surprised. At least they're being realistic though...I suppose it wouldn't make sense for Phil to suddenly accept Ben after all his years of denying it to himself

It was funny how that second chance he wanted with Ben, lasted for about five second's.

I thought the same. Why would he not have at least said his name Paul.

I think Phil instantly regretted the way it came out.

I don't think Phil is homophobic per se but I think he's of a generation where it was difficult to accept it..

Phil's not that old

I found it accurate and believable

Homophobes don't just suddenly accept it no matter how much people would like to believe they would.

No, but I think the way he was brought up has had an affect on him and that's why he had to be the big tough guy. I think perhaps he does want to be accepting of ben's sexuality but find it hard because of how his dad treated him.

completely agree and again was a powerful scene in the episode

I think now is a good time to turn the corner about Phil accepting Ben's sexuality.

I'd go so far as to say you don't need to be a homophobe to struggle to come to terms with having a gay child. I'd give EE every credit for portraying this with Linda, Pam and Phil.

I think that was progress for Phil, It may have come across as insensitive but I feel he meant well but he finds it hard to accept that his son is not like him.

I agree.

I think a lot of people have no issue with homosexuals, would happily socialise with them, welcome them into their home, be okay, supportive if a friend or sibling came out as gay, but have trouble when it is their child for various reasons.

Of course that isn't right, but i do think it is believable.

Was very moving and powerful

He's in his mid-50s. He wasn't exactly born into the most accepting of generations.

I agree with this . Its never as easy in life to accept that your child may have a rockier path than you wished for them

Brilliant scenes tonight.

People who i know in their mid fifties were punk rockers and had to behave themselves once aids appeared.

That's why Linda couldn't accept Johnny at first. I remember her saying that since he was born premature she always hoped he would find a girl who would take over from her to carry on looking after him, and she said that men would break his heart. You could understand what she meant as lots of parents can probably relate to.

Exactly.

As one example, whilst things are much better than they were, there are still bigots about and there is an increased chance of being attacked simply for holding hands with your lover if they are the same gender and that is something many parents just wouldn't want their child to face.

Also, again, better than it was with same sex marriage, gay adoption allowed and IVF enabling SuRrogacy but until recently there was the issue of not having grand children or see their child in a secure, long term relationship. Again, something most parents would want for their child.

So, I'm not sure that all parents that initially struggle with their children coming out should be condemned as homophobic.

However in Phil's case, I don't think it is that as much as what he has been conditioned by his upbringing to think a 'real man' should be.

I don't think it is his age (mid 50s really isn't that old, things were changing when he was still quite young - I'm in my mid 40s, i have loads of friends mid to late 50s who aren't homophobic and indeed were friends with gay people so involved with the culture during the 70s and 80s) but it is the way he was brought up by Eric.

Phil gave a real eye-rolling comment, like others have said Paul's name. Assuming Phil and Grant likened themselves to the Krays in their heyday, if only someone enlighten Phil that one of the Krays was openly gay.

Indeed.

I loved the scene, it was very well written and realistic. Heart breaking as it was that,Phil still wouldnt acknowledge Paul even when dead.

Tonights episode,was much stronger than last night

Exactly.

Great post

The scene,was so important. It was a snapshot of Phil and Ben's relationship.

I genuinely believe Phil wants to do right by Ben, but just cant get past Ben being gay. At the least they were true to the character

Remember when Zainab finally accepted Christian. She went from denouncing him as the devil, to him giving her pedicures and the two having nights in. Totally unrealistic.

It was a good scene giving us insight into Phil and Ben's relationship, but it's like it pained Phil to say Paul's name. Phil was willing to accept Paul as part of the Mitchell family a few episodes before. Someone needs to give Phil a history lesson about the Krays, being gay doesn't make Ben any less of a young man.

And I'd second you on that. People are quick to label people haters for things that they disagree with